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Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Nov 28, 20144 min read

The holidays are upon us. Break out the eggnog, hang the mistletoe and start the shopping. Have a Tucson Foodie on the list but not sure what to get them? Have no fear, below are some ideas to make gift giving a piece of cake.

For Your Cheesy Friend

Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu's Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, olives and salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar
Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, Empeltre olives and Creminelli Wild Boar salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar

Offering a variety of wines, gourmet products and specialty domestic cheeses, Blu, a Wine and Cheese Stop is crafting the perfect gift baskets for the holidays. Some of the baskets include the Wine Adventurer, I Love Arizona, Spice of Life, Pucker Up and the Gluten Free Goddess. If one of the pre-designed baskets doesn’t tickle the fancy, poke around and create a one of a kind.

Custom Cookie Cutters

Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter
Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter

Check out Pablo Sua of Alchemist Visions on Etsy.com for some of the most creative cookie cutters around. From a full set of Pac Man characters to an Air Jordan Jumpman, with the state of Arizona in between. They are sure to bring a smile and just might result in cookies as a thank you.

For the Green Thumb

Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search
Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search

Visit Bon at the Broadway Village for one of a kind pots and decorative items for the garden. Then stroll over to Native Seed Search for something to put those lovely pots. They have assembled collections of seeds to intrigue any gardener. Choose from the chile seed, heritage seed, herb garden, or low desert wildflower collection just to name a few. Go rogue and put together a collection, throw in a pound of heritage beans and a book on seed saving and you might just want to keep the gift.

For the Home Cook

Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil  (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)
Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)

Blood Orange Olive Oil. Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar. Serrano Honey Vinegar. Intrigued yet? With dozens of specialty vinegars and olive oils to choose from at Alfonso’s Olive Oil, it’s easy to find a great pairing for the home cook. Make sure to ask one of the friendly staff for cooking ideas and good luck not buying a bottle or two of your own.

For the Host with the Most

Sand Reckoner Vineyards
Sand Reckoner Vineyards

Bottles of wine are always a hit. Keep it local and check out one of the many unique wineries in Arizona. Want to give something other than wine? Stop by the Hacienda Del Sol Gift Shop for western inspired dish towels, aprons, and wine bags. Farmer’s Markets are full of surprises like fragrant soap from Desert Oasis Soap company or hand made wooden spoons and cutting boards. Looking for flowers? La Fleur Plantscapes for eco-friendly floral design sure to make any holiday table a bit more special.

For the Philanthropist

Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)
Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)

The holidays are also a season of giving gratitude. Support one of the local charities that help put food on the table. Visit the websites for Community Food Bank, Iskashitaa Refuge Network or Native Seed Search and find the charity that identifies with the philanthropist on your list.

For the Beer Geek

Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar
Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar

Stroll over to 1702 bottle shop, Tap & Bottle, or one of the many breweries and assemble the ideal six pack. Give the gift that keeps on giving and visit Brew Your Own Brew. They can help put together a brewing kit for pale ales well into the New Year.

For the Outdoors Lover

Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)
Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)

What goes best with a Sunday bike ride? A Sunday picnic of course. Visit Transit Cycles in the Mercado San Agustín for a variety of tools that make both bike rides and picnics a beautiful pair. For example an aesthetic basket for the front of a bike or an adjustable water bottle cage perfect for carrying a bottle of wine.

For the Caffeine Junkie

Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event
Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event

Every morning your giftee will be sending positive thoughts your way as they sip a warm cup of coffee. Check out Stella, Exo, Savaya or Cartel for special gift bags for the season. Want to give a coffee subscription? Visit Yellow Brick Coffee for specialty coffee beans from around the globe. Not sure which coffee to pick? Tucson Foodie has you covered.

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Article written by:

Alicynn Fink

Alicynn Fink

More about Alicynn
Alicynn Fink is a recent grad from the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Follow her stories at restaurantwife.com.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!